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Thermal Clinic
Because thermals are invisible, they are a tricky
subject to tackle. We will be taking a look at how thermals develop, where
they commonly release, how to identify where we are in the thermal and
how to make the best use of its lift.
We'll start to understand thermal generators,
thermal triggers, sink, lift, the core, cloudbase, cloudstreets and convergence.
We will conduct exercises that will help to train our brains on how to
identify the core of a thermal and circle the appropriate way to make
the most of this precious lift. We will also review proper thermal etiquette
and promote thermalling with your flying buddies to help each other identify
where the lift is.
We will be doing one-on-one thermal coaching
during this clinic. We have found that a pilot newly exploring and identifying
 thermals
can quickly grasp and visualize the thermal under radio coaching. Your
thermal coach can help identify the thermal and suggest how quickly and
which direction to make your circles to stay in it. The pilot isn't overwhelmed
by thinking what to do next and is allowed to feel what it's like to core
a thermal.
We recommend that participants have their
own variometer at this clinic to better understand how to use this valuable
tool for efficient centering of thermal lift.
- Thermal Clinic #1
Before we go flying to look for the lifting
air, we need to discuss what we are looking for, how it will feel, and
what to do with it. Topics discussed include: lapse rate and weather
concepts, thermal triggers, turbulence management, entering and centering
a thermal, flying with traffic, effects of wind on thermals and more.
This first clinic will be ground-based theoretical discussion, preparing
you for the second half, where we will be practicing what we have learned
in flight.
- Thermal Clinic #2
Watching the day begin the heating process, we'll
time our launch to best utilize the thermal lift for soaring, looking
to connect a few of these columns of rising air together! Today, we
will be looking at a specific launch site, discussing where the thermal
triggers and house thermals are, and guiding you on the radio while
you ascend in these sun-drenched parcels of rising air!
Thermal Clinic - $400 2
Days
Enroll
Now or get someone a Gift Certificate!
Prerequisites:
- USHGA P2 certification with
a minimum of 50 flights.
- Ability to perform smooth
transitions into flight and landings including side hill launches in
differing winds.
- Ability to perform spot landings
every time.
- Appropriate certified equipment
including wing, harness, reserve parachute, helmet, radio and speed
system.
- Strong safety awareness and
respect for flying.
- Desire to learn and pursue
cross-country flying.
Other Recommendations
Thermal Sequence of Master Pilot/Advanced Instructor
Chad Bastian (click to enlarge). Photo by Patrick Cudahy.
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